Collaborative Pianist/Vocal Coach
Aaron Hunt, New City Stage
a piano partner for every singer
I have been helping vocalists and instrumentalists prepare for recitals and auditions for over thirty years. I coach operatic roles and art song, chamber ensembles, musical theatre, and cabaret.
As your pianist, I provide a strong and reliable support on stage and a sensitive ear in rehearsal. I will collaborate with you to craft a performance that shows you at your best, both technically and interpretively.
Helping singers succeed
I have helped clients prepare successful auditions for numerous Young Artist and performance programs, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Madison Opera’s Studio Artist Program, and Lyric Opera Studio Weimar.
Additionally, I have helped clients prepare for mainstage and Artist-in-Residence roles at Pensacola Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Music of Remembrance, and for roles at local and storefront opera companies.
Sarah Lynn Marion: CS Music Competition, Boston MA
My background
I studied collaborative piano with Arlene Shrut at the Juilliard School. I am currently the pianist for C21 Women’s Ensemble and Northminster Presbyterian Church. Previously, I have been a studio pianist at North Park University, Resident Music Director of Chicago Opera Vanguard, and General Manager of VOX3 Collective. I am a staff pianist for CS Music’s annual vocal competition and a frequent accompanist for Chicago Chapter NATS auditions. I am also a board member for Chicago Chapter NATS.
What coaching with me is like
I coach both in person (for vaccinated clients who are comfortable working in person) and online via Zoom or Skype. Online clients can work either unaccompanied or with a pre-recorded accompaniment track. I can even record an accompaniment track tailor-made to your interpretive choices. So even if you’re not Chicago-based, we can work together!
My primary focus is on helping you interpret your text and music. I am a composer as well as a pianist, and I have an “inside view” of how composers create their music. I also have graduate degrees in literature and philosophy (from the University of Chicago’s Committee on Social Thought), which offer some special insights into poetry and drama.
In a typical session, I will listen to you perform your music. Then, I’ll ask you questions about your interpretation of the poetry or the character in your song or aria. I’ll share suggestions about how to communicate your interpretation most effectively to your audience along with my own insights about your song or aria. I will also provide purely musical suggestions about your performance, discuss diction, and help with vocal tone if needed. I can also suggest repertoire that will bring out the best in your voice.
Most important, I will always be supportive, caring, and approachable. I love working with singers, and it shows!
Some samples and some testimonials
Samuel James DeWese: Opera on Tap Chicago, Heartland Cafe
Myron is a wizard at sight-reading even the most contemporary scores. He has a real talent for zeroing in on problem spots I’ve encountered learning a new score and has helped me find ways to lock in the correct notes. He’s also gone out of his way several times to provide me recorded aids for long-distance role preparation. He’s a great musician and a great person!
Myron is a fantastic collaborator, with whom I’ve had the pleasure of making music many times. His intuitive nature helps to ensure that we are always creating a new and unique interpretation together rather than just starting and ending a piece at the same time. Our performances have run the gamut from recital to competition to corner-of-a-pub. Myron’s steady, skillful playing has always helped me offer the best of myself on every stage. Myron’s deep knowledge of operatic and recital repertoire, in addition to his own prowess as a composer, make him a unique and supportive performance partner.
Christian Ketter: audition video
I first met Myron when I needed an accompanist for a cabaret at Davenport’s. I could not have known how incredibly lucky I was to have found him. He became a creative partner in composing the entire act. From song selection to storytelling to vocal technique, he knew exactly how to guide me. Myron is a brilliant musician, composer, and coach. But his ability to collaborate with all kinds of performers and nudge them to do their absolute best is what makes him a cut above the rest. I continue to work on other projects with Myron (musicals, cabarets, auditions). He is an eternal learner and every year somehow manages to refine his skillset even more.
Ruth Fuerst: SongShop Live Cabaret, Chopin Theatre, Chicago
Myron has been a wonderful accompanist/collaborator in audition prep for musical theatre. He plays many styles beautifully, and can offer succinct insights which support my exploration of musical line and lyric.
Myron is much more than a pianist. Not only is his knowledge of the repertoire impressive; he is a community staple and a caring individual. As a singer, the thing that I want most in a collaborator or coach (especially when I’m performing) is trust. Myron gives performers relief of thought because we know he is always on his game! His collaborative and kind spirit makes you feel like you could sing anywhere with him by your side. Are you are looking for a professional musician with a deep connection to the community? Someone who can guide you every step of the way? If so, I know you will find Myron a breath of fresh air, and invaluable.
Myron is one of the most gifted coaches in the business. He can sight-read anything! Moreover, he has a most comprehensive understanding of whatever literature you put in front of him. He is an extraordinary colleague and collaborator when coaching or working on a new project. My faculty and I have observed Myron for years playing and coaching with vocal performers. He is consistently positive and helpful, no matter the level of the artist or nature of the musical assignment.
Myron has been a wonderful collaborator to our group of local professional opera singers. He has always been professional and cordial and extremely capable and we enjoy working with him. We recommend him very highly to any and all interested parties.
Are you ready to begin collaborating? Click the button to schedule a session!